of it," declared Antoinette. "If he came after you to go
down to the reception, the diamonds would have to be produced, so I said
to myself he must not come, he must be prevented at all hazards. I knew
of but one way, and acted upon the thought that came to me. Monsieur had
ordered some brandy; I intercepted the valet, sent him off on a fool's
errand, holding the glass until he returned, and while he was gone I put
a heavy sleeping potion, which I often take for the toothache, in
monsieur's glass of brandy. After taking it, he will fall into a deep
sleep, from which no one will be able to awake him. The consequence is,
he will not come for my lady to take her down to the reception to-night,
and she is free to suit herself as to whether she will wear diamonds or
not. No other occasion for wearing them may take place for some time. I
will think of something else by that time."

"You have saved me, Antoinette!" cried the guilty woman, sinking down
upon the nearest chair and trembling with excitement. "Oh, how can I
ever thank you!"

"If my lady would do something in the way of raising my pay, I would be
much obliged," replied the girl, her black eyes glittering.

She knew the trembling woman before her was in her power. The game had
been commenced, the first trump had been played, and Antoinette meant to
win all in the end.

"I shall be only too glad to do so," returned Sally, realizing for the
first time the unpleasantness of being dictated to by her maid.

"And if madame would make me a present of some money to-night, I could
make excellent use of it."

"I haven't any ready money just now," returned Sally, a dull red flush
creeping over the whiteness of her face. "I have spent all last month's
allowance, and it's only the middle of the month now."

"I would take the gold chain in the jewel-case which madame never
wears," replied the girl, boldly.

"Antoinette, you are a fiend!" cried Sally Gardiner, starting to her
feet in a rage. "How dare you expect that I would give you my gold
chain, girl?"

"Madame could not afford to refuse my request," answered the girl. "If
she wants me to keep her secret, she must pay well. The service I have
rendered to-night is worth what I ask."

"Take the chain," said young Mrs. Gardiner, with a short gasp. "I--I
shall not need your services after to-night. Take the chain, and--go!"

"So, so, madame!" cried the girl. "That is the way you would repay me
for what I have done, for